Everyday pensioners live it up for a day on parliamentary pension

It is one of the many political entitlements that annoy taxpayers to no end: politician pensions.

Last week it was announced that because Joe Hockey was elected before 2004, he is eligible for a pension of at least $180,000 a year.

But there are also extra bonuses for being a minister and treasurer.

A Current Affair attempted to find out the full amount Mr Hockey will be eligible for, but the Finance Department, Special Minister of State or Tax Office were not allowed to provide an exact figure.

However, what is known is that retired politicians cost taxpayers $45 million every year.

With the past political elite earning more than the average Australian does a year through their parliamentary pensions, A Current Affair have treated two everyday Australian pensioners to the perks of having such a comfortable retirement.

Jan Patterson, 75, is left with $80 a week after paying her rent and bills with her aged pension.

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Normally, she gets her granddaughter to do her hair - but when A Current Affair took her to her local Westfield, she was finally able to splurge.

Ms Patterson also hasn't purchased a bottle of perfume in five years - for her it's the ultimate luxury item.

"You just bypass them. You know, you come in, get the little card bit of perfume on it or any samples and that's it," Ms Patterson said of her normal visits to Myer.

Brian Arnold, 79, can sympathise with Ms Patterson.

Mr Arnold is left with $278 a week on the aged pension, after rent is deducted but before his bills are paid.

"Luxury items, I don't even think about them," Mr Arnold told A Current Affair.

Having never been in a limousine, A Current Affair took him grocery shopping in a chauffer-driven car.

"I think they should try coming down and living here for a week on a fortnight's pension, just to see what it's like for us to do it - because it survival," Mr Arnold said.

Before treating him to groceries, Mr Arnold was taken to the movies - which he hasn't been to in three years, because he can't afford it.

He also never eats out, except for his children or grandchildren's birthdays.

So to be treated to a simple cheeseburger was a luxury.

"Those are the things that you can't do," Mr Arnold said.

Independent senator Nick Xenophon is one of the few politicians who believe the system is far too generous.

"There is a disconnect between community standards, passing the pub test and what pollies are getting," Mr Xenophon told A Current Affair.

He thinks Joe Hockey has become a target because of some of his famous statements such as "the age of entitlement is over" and "we are a nation of lifters, not leaners".

"I get what Joe Hockey was trying to say to us about being lifters and leaners, but I reckon if he also accepts a parliamentary pension in addition to an ambassador's salary, then he's definitely laying on a banana lounge and having a lend of us," Mr Xenophon said.